Often paid less attention to, a keyboard is one of the most important accessories of a computer, and should be bought while keeping certain tips in mind. Find these tips here.
A keyboard is an input device that conveys commands to the computer and is the primary interface to communicate or control the system in combination with a mouse. There are wired as well as wireless keyboards, and these are available in the user-friendly ergonomic version that aims to reduce muscular stress and strain due to continuous usage of this device.
Wired keyboards, as we all know, are connected to the PC with the help of a physical wire. The interface is either PS/2 or USB whereas wireless keyboards can establish a connection with the PC via Bluetooth.
A wireless keyboard liberates you from sitting in front of the computer and working. It facilitates working from a limited distance depending on the range it covers.
There are different types of keyboards available in the market appropriate to your requirement according to which you can choose from anyone of these. Some of them include the gaming keyboard, custom keyboard, or wireless keyboard.
Helpful Tips
There are various features and specifications that are to be paid attention to since there are a number of products available in the market, all of which promise superior user satisfaction. The four characteristics that are to be considered are:
- Feature
- Function
- Aesthetics
- Ergonomics
The design and style of the keyboard is not only an aesthetic issue but it is also essential for the comfort of the user. There are common or standard keyboards that come along with a PC and are mostly built with 104-105 keys on the board.
There are keyboards that are thinner, lighter, and easier to use than standard varieties, and mostly these resemble that of a notebook computer. Mini keyboards are much smaller than standard versions and due to their size, do not provide a numeric keypad and feature very slim profiles. These keyboards are lightweight and portable.
Ergonomic keyboards are anytime better than standard keyboards since they provide better wrist alignment that decrease discomfort considerably.
When you are buying a wireless keyboard, always check the battery backup and life. The life of the battery is usually one to three months, though there are keyboards available that have a life of about six months.
You can also customize keyboards and can add a wide range of modifications so that data entry can be made much faster. To add zing to your work you can also have colored keys, which also highlight your important keys. You can get the commands printed on the keys and stickers, and have software commands on your keys.
USB keyboards are compatible with both Windows and Macintosh configuration. The Windows keys are easily accessible in USB keyboards by pressing the embedded function keys. The configuration can also be changed to a Mac or Non-Windows PC layout.
Home users can get a standard or a wireless keyboard, whereas commercial users should emphasize on the comfort of using it for longer hours so that the productivity and efficiency increases. Thus, for these kinds of users ergonomic keyboards are the best.
For gamers there is a specialized keyboard available, which is optimum choice for them since the keys of this kind of a keyboard are game-oriented and quicker in responding. Apart from the keyboard, stress also has to be laid on keyboard tray which if bought also makes working convenient.